Main topic

Plastic is a synthetic material made from fossil fuels like petroleum. Plastics consist of large molecules called polymers. Polymers are created by combining many identical small particles (monomers) into a large chain. This is the first step in the process of producing plastics, called polymerization. Further chemical elements like hydrogen, nitrogen, or oxygen are usually added to change the properties of the material.

Plastic is one of the most versatile materials available to us today. Not only it is used for all kinds of packaging and the preservation of consumables, but it is also found in the products we consume for our work and our living on a daily basis. From our computers to furniture and clothes we wear, we realize that plastic is an indispensable material. Since the mid-20th century, when plastic started to become more popular, its global production has increased from 2 million tons per year in 1950 to 460 million tons in 2019 (see Figure 1), which corresponds to an increase by a factor of nearly 230 (Ritchie & Roser, 2018).

Figure 1. The accelerating rise of plastic production since the 1950s (Source: Plastikatlas, 2019)

Approximately 15% of plastics are produced in the European Union, according to statistics from 2021. However, plastic production in the EU is currently experiencing a downward trend (Plastics Europe, 2022).

Among the reasons why the use of plastic has become so widespread are its durability, low cost of production, and lightweight. However, the longevity of plastic is one of its biggest disadvantages.

In Europe, plastic is mostly used in the packaging industry (40%), followed by construction (20%), electronics (6%), and agriculture (3%) (WU, 2021). The remaining plastic can be found in consumer products like cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and objects used for recreational purposes (e.g. sports products). The application of plastics in the cosmetic industry is considerably problematic due to the existence of microscopic specks, also known as micro- or nanoplastics that enter the human body (European Parliament, 2023).

The 5 R’s – Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Rot, is a principle that can lead individuals towards sustainable consumption and waste management practices. This principle aims to reduce the amount of waste generated and encourage individuals to be more mindful of their consumption habits.

1. Refuse: encourages individuals to refuse the use of unnecessary products and packaging all together, such as plastic bags or single-use items.
2. Reduce: emphasizes the importance of consuming less. By reducing our consumption, we can decrease the demand for products, which can lead to a reduction in the amount of waste generated.
3. Reuse: is all about extending the life of products. By reusing items, we can reduce the need to purchase new ones, which can save resources and prevent waste.
4. Recycle: is a method of waste management that involves processing materials to make new products. However, it is important to note that recycling is not a perfect solution, and it is essential to prioritize the other R’s before relying on recycling.
5. Rot: refers to composting. Organic waste like food remains can be composted and turned into nutritious soil that can be used for gardening.

By following these five principles in this order, i.e. “refuse” as the first option and “rot” as the last, individuals can significantly reduce their ecological footprint and contribute towards a more sustainable future (Reketat, 2021). In some classifications, the 5^th “R” refers to “Rethink” or “Repair” instead of “Rot”.